Lena75
11/24/06
Hello! I'm 31 years old and have been struggling with my weight for most of my adult life. I'm 5'3 and a size 18-20W. I feel every extra pound. I have decided to take steps toward WLS because I my attempts at significant weight loss have been unsucessful. I've been able to lose as much as 20lbs, but no more.. and when it came back, it came back with a vengence!
I've decided on the Lap Band because it's not too invasive, (I've never been under the knife) and I'm concerned about malabsorption. I've learned that the weight loss is slower than it is with RNY, but I'll take the slow loss over the quick gain that I am experiencing now.
At this point, I've had my required consultations and tests. I'm waiting for approval from my insurance company. I'm hopeful, but I don't want to get my hopes up too high...
I'll keep you posted.
12/01/05
I called my insurance co.(UHC) on 11/29/06 and after a pretty legnthy call and three different customer service reps, I was informed that my Lap Band surgery was approved. I am skeptical at this point; however, because I'm not clear on why the third rep was able to see that I was "approved" and the two previous reps were unable to determine that my predetermination packet was even recieved! Was he just telling me what he thought I wanted to hear to get me off of the phone? UHC advised me that they would be contacting Dr. E's office. I'll update ASAP ...
12/6/06
Four words... I HAVE A DATE!! 
I am scheduled to have my Lap Band surgery on 1/16/07. My nerves are getting bad now. 
I just found out that my father in law is having RNY on 1/4/07. I also have 2 sisters going on the WLS journey. I may even change my date so that I don't have to do this alone! One of my sisters has her date already, 1/2/07, but she says that it is too soon, and she agrees that we should try to do it together so that we can support each other. She is going to find out tomorrow if that is possible. So long for now...
12/7/06
My sister's date is 1/9/07, seven days before mine. That's close enough for us. We are on our way!
1/5/07
Well I had my pre op visit yesterday. It went well, it just took longer than I expected. Doc says my liver is large and he would like to see me shrink it as much as possible. I've also started my 1000 calorie diet on 1/2/07. I'm trying to do my best to combat the hunger. If I am not prepared, I am in trouble. Like 1/4/07 for instance, I had to go straight to work after the appointment, because it took so long. I didn't have any of my sugarfree jello, fruit, etc. so I ended up very hungry and evil by the time my dinner break came around. (I work nights.) I'm down 5.3 lbs, yay!My surgery is sched. for 7:30 am on 1/16, but I have to be there no later than 6:30 am. That is sooo early for me, with the work sched. that I have. I may not even need anesthesia at that ungodly time in the dang morning! I am excited about this, and I think about it constantly.
My father-in-law is doing well after his RNY. It is day 2, and he says that although the pain is subsiding, he is still very uncomfortable. He was hungry this evening, and his is allowed to sip an ounce of water per hour. God be with him.
More good news... one of my bestest friends has just learned that she has been approved for RNY! Watch out world! 
Unless something really sigificant happens, the next time I post, I will be on the "Band"-wagon! So so corny
1/20/07
Hi! I'm home and banded! 
It's hard to believe, but I've gone thru with it. The first few days were bad. I was in pain. I'm feeling much better now, not 100%, but better everyday.
The sugery went well. The Dr. discovered a rather large hiatal hernia and repaired it. He seemed surprised that I had not noticed any symptoms. I guess your body doesn't always "tell" you when something is wrong. I am on clear liqiuds for the remainder of the week (whoo hoo). It has not been too bad, I went into surgery starving, but have not really felt too hungry since. I have been trying to stay hydrated.
Well, just trying to heal up.. just removed my bandages, a little skeeved out by the incisions, but they are really minor. I've just never had much more than a scrape or paper cut..surely nothing needing stitches.
I'll admit, I had several "why did I do this?" moments, 
but I have no overall regrets thus far. Everyone says that any weight loss prior to the first fill is a bonus. I am anxious to get things started!
